City needs real solutions to Street Takeovers

Mayor Johnson made comments directed towards me that insinuate that I’m impeding progress on Street Takeover legislation. That’s categorically untrue and disingenuous. The file is currently in committee and represents a minor change to an ordinance I co-sponsored years ago.

This concept is neither new or necessarily a game changer. Furthermore, there are legitimate concerns, even if the ordinance is deemed legal and enforceable, as to the practical application of issuing citations to by-standers of an illegal event. Per City Attorney Evan Goyke, “We will continue to work on the street takeover spectator ordinance. I think it was wise to hold the file. We have concerns about the constitutionality of its application and want to work with you and the Council to get it right.” I concur with City Attorney Goyke…we need to get this type of legislation correct on the front end.

On another note, I had a quadruple shooting in my district last night. Literally in the neighborhood I was born and raised in. I’ve heard nothing from the Administration regarding that incident or the increasing homicide rate that is trending in the wrong direction. I’d much rather we be discussing these issues instead of debating why something was held back a cycle, that our attorney agrees needs further review.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.